back story

cane and able

heritage caning is one of new england’s best-kept design secrets. Antiques dealers and interior
designers have long used the services of the 40-year-
old gem of a craft shop, but few ordinary folks know
that it is open to anyone in need of a new cane-,
rush-, or Shaker-tape-woven chair seat.

Operated by the Massachusetts Department
of Developmental Services (until June 2009,
DDS was known as the Department of Mental
Retardation) and staffed by mentally challenged
adults, Heritage is located in a former post office
in downtown Peabody, Massachusetts. Six full-time
weavers, trained and supervised by Melissa Dulude,
who caned chairs as a hobby before joining Heritage
13 years ago, ply time-honored weaving techniques,
including the traditional seven-step method in which
intersecting strands make a six-sided circular pattern.
The workers are adept at plaiting fiber rush in the

pattern known as New England porch weave, braiding flat cane, working with cotton Shaker tape, and
applying pressed cane, a machine-woven sheet that
is held in place with a custom-sized wood spline
and glue.

The weavers are highly skilled and committed
to their work. “One woman has worked here for 40
years,” says Dulude. “Two men each have over 30
years of experience.”

Prices are competitive, and the craftsmanship
is impeccable. Woven seats start at about $100 and
take two to three weeks; a pressed cane seat costs
about $45. The artisans receive half of the proceeds
from each chair seat they weave. — regina cole